Islands Adventures

Taha'a

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Taha'a shares the same lagoon as Raiatea from which it is separated by a narrow channel. The island is particularly peaceful because it does not have an airport, (Raiatea's airport is very close), and it offers the visitor a rare taste of authenticity. The history of Tahaa is closely related to that of Hiro, legendary hero, who performed numerous exploits in age-old times and left traces of his passage all around the island. Equally called «Vanilla Island » because of its numerous plantations from which a strong and rich perfume emanates, Tahaa resembles an immense, colorful garden. You can enjoy tropical fruits while taking a guided 4x4 excursion which will allow you to meet creative artisans, botanical experts or pearl farmers, delighted to share the secrets of the iridescent black pearl of Polynesia with you. The magnificent turquoise lagoon of Tahaa shelters numerous islets adorned with coral gardens that invite divers. Easily navigable, the lagoon offers excellent moorings which make Taha'a a favorite destination for pleasure boating. Aquatic activities are plentiful: guided circle-island tours in motorized outrigger canoes, gray ray feeding, discovery of different marine species at the lagoonarium, dolphin encounters, etc. Family pensions and the few hotels come to welcome visitors upon their arrival at the airport of Raiatea. Shuttle boats are also available between the two islands.

Photo gallery

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Good reasons why you should go there :

• An island untamed, with luxuriant vegetation, tropical flora and a multitude of fruits.
• An emerald lagoon ringed with idyllic “motu”.
• A giant natural aquarium where you can observe eels, gray sharks, napoleons, shoals of barracuda, jackfishes and enchanting coral gardens.
• The opportunity to discover the gorgeous black pearl and the famous Tahitian vanilla, jewels of the island.
• An authentic charm.
• Various inland and nautical activities.

Districts :

Patio (administrative center), Faaaha, Haamene, Vaitoare, Poutoru, Tiva and Tapuamu (main wharf on the island).

Population :

4 781 inhabitants.

Surface area :

90 sq km.

Do not miss :

• the Hibiscus Foundation for sea turtle protection (Haamene bay),
• pearl farms (Haamene bay),
• vanilla plantations all around the island,
• the pass of Vaitoetoe and its view on the bay of Haamene,
• coral gardens,
• “La Maison de la Vanille” or House of Vanilla (Poutoru).

Things to do :

• Nautical activities :
  - excursions on the lagoon,
  - visit of the sea turtles protection center,
  - visit of pearl farms,
  - motor boat rental,
  - jet skiing,
  - glass bottom boat tours,
  - lagoon cruises,
  - scuba diving,
  - swimming and snorkeling.
• Inland activities :
  - ecotourism tours (Vanilla plantation visit),
  - visit of parks and gardens,
  - 4WD safari tours,
  - hiking.
• Other(s) :
  - aerial tour of the island by helicopter.
• Relaxation center(s) and Spa :
  - Manea Spa, Taha’a Island Resort & Spa – Relais & Châteaux hotel.

Practical information :

• Tourist information : in Haamene.
• Banking Service : Banque Socredo and Banque de Tahiti. ATM.
• Post office(s) : in Patio and Haamene.
• Phone box(es) : available in every district.
• Shopping : grocery stores (Patio and Haamene). A few handicraft shops and local craft centers (Haamene, Tapuamu, Poutoru, Tiva, Patio).
• Restaurants : a few snack bars.
• Medical services : a medical center (Patio). A doctor and a drugstore.

Did you know that ? :

• Taha’a used to be called “Uporu” in the past.
• The island is called the“Vanilla Island” because it produces more than 75% of the Tahitian vanilla.

Flight schedule :

AIR TAHITI time-table and fares

Our accommodations in Taha'a :

Our suggested single island packages